A seven-year scientific study published in Science has confirmed that removing rhinoceros horns greatly reduces poaching incidents in wildlife reserves near Kruger National Park in northern South Africa. Conducted from 2017 to 2023, the research examined data from 11 game reserves. Poaching incidents fell by 78% in eight of those reserves following the regular removal of horns from more than 2,000 rhinos. The area, which contains around 25% of the world’s rhino population, remains a major target for illegal hunting, driven by demand in parts of Southeast Asia and China for use in traditional medicine.

The study was led by biodiversity researchers from South African institutions and Oxford University. The results provided the first long-term evidence that dehorning is an effective conservation strategy. According to researchers, the removal of horns every one to two years removes the primary incentive for poachers. While the practice has faced criticism from some animal rights advocates, recent findings show no negative effects on reproduction or survival. A separate rhino researcher stated that although horns are used for defense and social behavior, current data indicate minimal ecological impact. The procedure, which takes around ten minutes, involves sedation, blindfolding, and microchipping. Experts involved in the study regarded dehorning as a short- to mid-term solution and emphasized that improved law enforcement and ranger support remain essential. The project included collaboration between universities, game reserve authorities, the World Wildlife Fund, and other conservation groups working to protect endangered species from exploitation.